Hand Washing: How To Encourage Restroom Users

In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors

How can restroom users be encouraged to always wash their hands and for the minimum 15 seconds?

This is a difficult question to answer as we can only do so much to encourage people to wash their hands properly. Research shows that as high as 40 percent of people leave a restroom without washing their hands at all. Educational programs in schools can be effective. If children are taught at an early age to wash their hands properly they will hopefully carry that habit with them through life.

Adults can be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly as they can better understand the connection between bacteria and illness, as well as the ways germs are spread, like from hand to hand contact. However, there is a fine line between educating and lecturing people. Posters in restrooms with tips on how to properly wash your hands can be helpful, but too many graphic references to germs and illness can be a turnoff.

— Greg Hill, product manager, hand care, Zep Sales & Service, Atlanta

Through multidisciplinary programs (education, reinforcement, documentation) that make proper hand hygiene a priority.

— Ron Shuster, product line director, STOKO Skin Care by Evonik, Greensboro, N.C.

A study by the American Society for Microbiology and the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), formerly the Soap and Detergent Association, shows that 1 in 4 people who use the restroom do not wash their hands. And 46 percent of people who wash their hands don’t wash long enough to be effective, according to the most recent ACI Clean Hands Report Card. Behavior change is complex. 

In markets such as healthcare, where hand hygiene compliance is critical, we can implement comprehensive programs that include education, awareness and compliance monitoring.

A key in establishing good habits is establishing them early. That’s why we offer an engaging curriculum to schools to teach children the benefits of good hand hygiene and to establish habits early in life. 

— Joe Drenik, marketing communications and services senior director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio

Strategically placed signs on the dispensers or on the mirrors that will encourage them to read about interesting facts or a riddle as they are washing their hands. The schools teach elementary students to sing the alphabet or sing “Happy Birthday” three times to make sure they wash their hands for 15 to 20 seconds.

— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel - Diversified Markets Division, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Are antibacterial soaps necessary?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that for regular hand washing, soap and water is sufficient. However, in many industries, like food manufacturing and processing plants, the use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers is federally mandated. Most restaurant patrons would prefer the person preparing their meal to have used an anti-bacterial soap when they used the restroom, to minimize any chance of food poisoning or bacterial cross-contamination.

There is no disadvantage to using anti-bacterial products. In the home or office, it’s really a matter of personal preference and price, since antibacterial ingredients do add cost.

— Greg Hill, product manager, hand care, Zep Sales & Service, Atlanta

Antibacterial soaps are appropriate in certain high-risk settings such as health care or food processing where the consequences of germ or bacterial transfer are higher. However, good hand hygiene education and practices far outweigh the issue of whether an antibacterial soap is being used. The most important issues are whether hand washing is being performed when it should and if proper hand wash techniques are being utilized. There is too much emphasis on type of product and not nearly enough emphasis on education and compliance.

— Ron Shuster, product line director, STOKO Skin Care by Evonik, Greensboro, N.C.

Whether or not facilities provide antibacterial soap to patrons is a matter of choice. More and more facilities are also placing hand sanitizer dispensers near the restroom exit. People who have washed use it to kill germs that may have been left behind. And it provides a convenient option for those who choose not to wash. 

— Joe Drenik, marketing communications and services senior director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio

Antibacterial soaps are necessary to prevent the spread of diseases from hand-to-face contact. Any and every facility should provide antibacterial soap options. There are four particular facilities that should provide antibacterial soaps at all costs: airports, schools, restaurants and hospitals.

— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel - Diversified Markets Division, Scottsdale, Ariz.